Today's bible teaching: My eyes have seen the defeat of my adversaries; my ears have heard the rout of my wicked foes11

 Psalm 92

1

Psalm 92 A psalm. A song. For the Sabbath day.

1

It is good to praise the LORD and make music to your name, O Most High,

2

to proclaim your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night,

3

to the music of the ten-stringed lyre and the melody of the harp.

4

For you make me glad by your deeds, O LORD; I sing for joy at the works of your hands.

5

How great are your works, O LORD, how profound your thoughts!

6

The senseless man does not know, fools do not understand,

7

that though the wicked spring up like grass and all evildoers flourish, they will be forever destroyed.

8

But you, O LORD, are exalted forever.

Ì9

For surely your enemies, O LORD, surely your enemies will perish; all evildoers will be scattered.

10

You have exalted my horn ^[1] like that of a wild ox; fine oils have been poured upon me.

11

My eyes have seen the defeat of my adversaries; my ears have heard the rout of my wicked foes.

12

The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon;

13

planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God.

14

They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green,

15

proclaiming, "The LORD is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him."

Today's prayer: Hear my voice when I call, O LORD; be merciful to me and answer me.

 Psalm 27

1

Psalm 27 Of David.

1

The LORD is my light and my salvation-- whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life-- of whom shall I be afraid?

2

When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, ^[1] when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall.

3

Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident.

4

One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.

5

For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.

6

Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD.

7

Hear my voice when I call, O LORD; be merciful to me and answer me.

8

My heart says of you, "Seek his ^[2] face!" Your face, LORD, I will seek.

9

Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, O God my Savior.

10

Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.

11

Teach me your way, O LORD; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors.

12

Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence.

13

I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.

14

Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.

Today's prayer:O LORD, by your hand save me from such men, from men of this world whose reward is in this life

 Psalm 17

1

Psalm 17 A prayer of David.

1

Hear, O LORD, my righteous plea; listen to my cry. Give ear to my prayer-- it does not rise from deceitful lips.

2

May my vindication come from you; may your eyes see what is right.

3

Though you probe my heart and examine me at night, though you test me, you will find nothing; I have resolved that my mouth will not sin.

4

As for the deeds of men-- by the word of your lips I have kept myself from the ways of the violent.

5

My steps have held to your paths; my feet have not slipped.

6

I call on you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer.

7

Show the wonder of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes.

8

Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings

9

from the wicked who assail me, from my mortal enemies who surround me.

10

They close up their callous hearts, and their mouths speak with arrogance.

11

They have tracked me down, they now surround me, with eyes alert, to throw me to the ground.

12

They are like a lion hungry for prey, like a great lion crouching in cover.

13

Rise up, O LORD, confront them, bring them down; rescue me from the wicked by your sword.

14

O LORD, by your hand save me from such men, from men of this world whose reward is in this life. You still the hunger of those you cherish; their sons have plenty, and they store up wealth for their children.

15

And I--in righteousness I will see your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness.

Today's bible teaching: Who is he, this King of glory? The LORD Almighty-- he is the King of glory

 Psalm 24

1

Psalm 24 Of David. A psalm.

1

The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it;

2

for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters.

3

Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place?

4

He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false. ^[1]

5

He will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from God his Savior.

6

Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, O God of Jacob. ^[2] Selah

7

Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.

8

Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.

9

Lift up your heads, O you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.

10

Who is he, this King of glory? The LORD Almighty-- he is the King of glory. Selah

Today's bible teaching: Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart

 Psalm 73

1

Psalm 73 A psalm of Asaph.

1

Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.

2

But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold.

3

For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

4

They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. ^[1]

5

They are free from the burdens common to man; they are not plagued by human ills.

6

Therefore pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves with violence.

7

From their callous hearts comes iniquity ^[2] ; the evil conceits of their minds know no limits.

8

They scoff, and speak with malice; in their arrogance they threaten oppression.

9

Their mouths lay claim to heaven, and their tongues take possession of the earth.

10

Therefore their people turn to them and drink up waters in abundance. ^[3]

11

They say, "How can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?"

12

This is what the wicked are like-- always carefree, they increase in wealth.

13

Surely in vain have I kept my heart pure; in vain have I washed my hands in innocence.

14

All day long I have been plagued; I have been punished every morning.

15

If I had said, "I will speak thus," I would have betrayed your children.

16

When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me

17

till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny.

18

Surely you place them on slippery ground; you cast them down to ruin.

19

How suddenly are they destroyed, completely swept away by terrors!

20

As a dream when one awakes, so when you arise, O Lord, you will despise them as fantasies.

21

When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered,

22

I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you.

23

Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.

24

You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.

25

Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.

26

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

27

Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.

28

But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.

Today's prayer: O LORD, do not forsake me; be not far from me, O my God

 Psalm 38

1

Psalm 38 A psalm of David. A petition.

1

O LORD, do not rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath.

2

For your arrows have pierced me, and your hand has come down upon me.

3

Because of your wrath there is no health in my body; my bones have no soundness because of my sin.

4

My guilt has overwhelmed me like a burden too heavy to bear.

5

My wounds fester and are loathsome because of my sinful folly.

6

I am bowed down and brought very low; all day long I go about mourning.

7

My back is filled with searing pain; there is no health in my body.

8

I am feeble and utterly crushed; I groan in anguish of heart.

9

All my longings lie open before you, O Lord; my sighing is not hidden from you.

10

My heart pounds, my strength fails me; even the light has gone from my eyes.

11

My friends and companions avoid me because of my wounds; my neighbors stay far away.

12

Those who seek my life set their traps, those who would harm me talk of my ruin; all day long they plot deception.

13

I am like a deaf man, who cannot hear, like a mute, who cannot open his mouth;

14

I have become like a man who does not hear, whose mouth can offer no reply.

15

I wait for you, O LORD; you will answer, O Lord my God.

16

For I said, "Do not let them gloat or exalt themselves over me when my foot slips."

17

For I am about to fall, and my pain is ever with me.

18

I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin.

19

Many are those who are my vigorous enemies; those who hate me without reason are numerous.

20

Those who repay my good with evil slander me when I pursue what is good.

21

O LORD, do not forsake me; be not far from me, O my God.

22

Come quickly to help me, O Lord my Savior.

Today's bible teaching: Let them know that you, whose name is the LORD-- that you alone are the Most High over all the earth.

 Psalm 83

1

Psalm 83 A song. A psalm of Asaph.

1

O God, do not keep silent; be not quiet, O God, be not still.

2

See how your enemies are astir, how your foes rear their heads.

3

With cunning they conspire against your people; they plot against those you cherish.

4

"Come," they say, "let us destroy them as a nation, that the name of Israel be remembered no more."

5

With one mind they plot together; they form an alliance against you--

6

the tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites, of Moab and the Hagrites,

7

Gebal, ^[1] Ammon and Amalek, Philistia, with the people of Tyre.

8

Even Assyria has joined them to lend strength to the descendants of Lot. Selah

9

Do to them as you did to Midian, as you did to Sisera and Jabin at the river Kishon,

10

who perished at Endor and became like refuse on the ground.

11

Make their nobles like Oreb and Zeeb, all their princes like Zebah and Zalmunna,

12

who said, "Let us take possession of the pasturelands of God."

13

Make them like tumbleweed, O my God, like chaff before the wind.

14

As fire consumes the forest or a flame sets the mountains ablaze,

15

so pursue them with your tempest and terrify them with your storm.

16

Cover their faces with shame so that men will seek your name, O LORD.

17

May they ever be ashamed and dismayed; may they perish in disgrace.

18

Let them know that you, whose name is the LORD-- that you alone are the Most High over all the earth.

Today's bible teaching: Though they plot evil against you and devise wicked schemes, they cannot succeed

 Psalm 21

1

Psalm 21 For the director of music. A psalm of David.

1

O LORD, the king rejoices in your strength. How great is his joy in the victories you give!

2

You have granted him the desire of his heart and have not withheld the request of his lips. Selah

3

You welcomed him with rich blessings and placed a crown of pure gold on his head.

4

He asked you for life, and you gave it to him-- length of days, for ever and ever.

5

Through the victories you gave, his glory is great; you have bestowed on him splendor and majesty.

6

Surely you have granted him eternal blessings and made him glad with the joy of your presence.

7

For the king trusts in the LORD; through the unfailing love of the Most High he will not be shaken.

8

Your hand will lay hold on all your enemies; your right hand will seize your foes.

9

At the time of your appearing you will make them like a fiery furnace. In his wrath the LORD will swallow them up, and his fire will consume them.

10

You will destroy their descendants from the earth, their posterity from mankind.

11

Though they plot evil against you and devise wicked schemes, they cannot succeed;

12

for you will make them turn their backs when you aim at them with drawn bow.

13

Be exalted, O LORD, in your strength; we will sing and praise your might.

Today's prayer: Deliver me from my enemies, O God; protect me from those who rise up against me.

 Psalm 59

1

Psalm 59 For the director of music. [To the tune of] "Do Not Destroy." Of David. A miktam. ^[1] When Saul had sent men to watch David's house in order to kill him.

1

Deliver me from my enemies, O God; protect me from those who rise up against me.

2

Deliver me from evildoers and save me from bloodthirsty men.

3

See how they lie in wait for me! Fierce men conspire against me for no offense or sin of mine, O LORD.

4

I have done no wrong, yet they are ready to attack me. Arise to help me; look on my plight!

5

O LORD God Almighty, the God of Israel, rouse yourself to punish all the nations; show no mercy to wicked traitors. Selah

6

They return at evening, snarling like dogs, and prowl about the city.

7

See what they spew from their mouths-- they spew out swords from their lips, and they say, "Who can hear us?"

8

But you, O LORD, laugh at them; you scoff at all those nations.

9

O my Strength, I watch for you; you, O God, are my fortress,

10

my loving God. God will go before me and will let me gloat over those who slander me.

11

But do not kill them, O Lord our shield, ^[2] or my people will forget. In your might make them wander about, and bring them down.

12

For the sins of their mouths, for the words of their lips, let them be caught in their pride. For the curses and lies they utter,

13

consume them in wrath, consume them till they are no more. Then it will be known to the ends of the earth that God rules over Jacob. Selah

14

They return at evening, snarling like dogs, and prowl about the city.

15

They wander about for food and howl if not satisfied.

16

But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.

17

O my Strength, I sing praise to you; you, O God, are my fortress, my loving God.

Today's bible teaching: And the words of the LORD are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times

 Psalm 12

1

Psalm 12 For the director of music. According to sheminith. A psalm of David.

1

Help, LORD, for the godly are no more; the faithful have vanished from among men.

2

Everyone lies to his neighbor; their flattering lips speak with deception.

3

May the LORD cut off all flattering lips and every boastful tongue

4

that says, "We will triumph with our tongues; we own our lips ^[2] --who is our master?"

5

"Because of the oppression of the weak and the groaning of the needy, I will now arise," says the LORD. "I will protect them from those who malign them."

6

And the words of the LORD are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times.

7

O LORD, you will keep us safe and protect us from such people forever.

8

The wicked freely strut about when what is vile is honored among men.

Today's praises: Sing to the LORD, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day

 Psalm 96

1

Psalm 96

1

Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth.

2

Sing to the LORD, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day.

3

Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.

4

For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods.

5

For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the LORD made the heavens.

6

Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and glory are in his sanctuary.

7

Ascribe to the LORD, O families of nations, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.

8

Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering and come into his courts.

9

Worship the LORD in the splendor of his ^[1] holiness; tremble before him, all the earth.

10

Say among the nations, "The LORD reigns." The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity.

11

Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it;

12

let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them. Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy;

13

they will sing before the LORD, for he comes, he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in his truth.

Today's prayer: Save me, O God, by your name; vindicate me by your might

 Psalm 54

1

Psalm 54 For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A maskil ^[1] of David. When the Ziphites had gone to Saul and said, "Is not David hiding among us?"

1

Save me, O God, by your name; vindicate me by your might.

2

Hear my prayer, O God; listen to the words of my mouth.

3

Strangers are attacking me; ruthless men seek my life-- men without regard for God. Selah

4

Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me.

5

Let evil recoil on those who slander me; in your faithfulness destroy them.

6

I will sacrifice a freewill offering to you; I will praise your name, O LORD, for it is good.

7

For he has delivered me from all my troubles, and my eyes have looked in triumph on my foes.

Today's bible teaching: Restore us again, O God our Savior, and put away your displeasure toward us.

 Psalm 85

1

Psalm 85 For the director of music. Of the Sons of Korah. A psalm.

1

You showed favor to your land, O LORD; you restored the fortunes of Jacob.

2

You forgave the iniquity of your people and covered all their sins. Selah

3

You set aside all your wrath and turned from your fierce anger.

4

Restore us again, O God our Savior, and put away your displeasure toward us.

5

Will you be angry with us forever? Will you prolong your anger through all generations?

6

Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?

7

Show us your unfailing love, O LORD, and grant us your salvation.

8

I will listen to what God the LORD will say; he promises peace to his people, his saints-- but let them not return to folly.

9

Surely his salvation is near those who fear him, that his glory may dwell in our land.

10

Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other.

11

Faithfulness springs forth from the earth, and righteousness looks down from heaven.

12

The LORD will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest.

13

Righteousness goes before him and prepares the way for his steps.

Today's praises: Let the name of the LORD be praised, both now and forevermore

 Psalm 113

1

Psalm 113

1

Praise the LORD. ^[1] Praise, O servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD.

2

Let the name of the LORD be praised, both now and forevermore.

3

From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD is to be praised.

4

The LORD is exalted over all the nations, his glory above the heavens.

5

Who is like the LORD our God, the One who sits enthroned on high,

6

who stoops down to look on the heavens and the earth?

7

He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap;

8

he seats them with princes, with the princes of their people.

9

He settles the barren woman in her home as a happy mother of children. Praise the LORD.

Today's bible teaching: When the LORD restores the fortunes of his people, let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad

 Psalm 14

1

Psalm 14 For the director of music. Of David.

1

The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good.

2

The LORD looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.

3

All have turned aside, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.

4

Will evildoers never learn-- those who devour my people as men eat bread and who do not call on the LORD?

5

There they are, overwhelmed with dread, for God is present in the company of the righteous.

6

You evildoers frustrate the plans of the poor, but the LORD is their refuge.

7

Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When the LORD restores the fortunes of his people, let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad!

Today's praises: Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth

Psalm 100

1

Psalm 100 A psalm. For giving thanks.

1

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.

2

Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.

3

Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his ^[1] ; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

4

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.

5

For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

 

Today's bible teaching: He settles the barren woman in her home as a happy mother of children

 Psalm 113

1

Psalm 113

1

Praise the LORD. Praise, O servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD.

2

Let the name of the LORD be praised, both now and forevermore.

3

From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD is to be praised.

4

The LORD is exalted over all the nations, his glory above the heavens.

5

Who is like the LORD our God, the One who sits enthroned on high,

6

who stoops down to look on the heavens and the earth?

7

He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap;

8

he seats them with princes, with the princes of their people.

9

He settles the barren woman in her home as a happy mother of children. Praise the LORD.

Today's bible teaching: Though they plot evil against you and devise wicked schemes, they cannot succeed; for you will make them turn their backs when you aim at them with drawn bow

 Psalm 21

1

Psalm 21 For the director of music. A psalm of David.

1

O LORD, the king rejoices in your strength. How great is his joy in the victories you give!

2

You have granted him the desire of his heart and have not withheld the request of his lips. Selah

3

You welcomed him with rich blessings and placed a crown of pure gold on his head.

4

He asked you for life, and you gave it to him-- length of days, for ever and ever.

5

Through the victories you gave, his glory is great; you have bestowed on him splendor and majesty.

6

Surely you have granted him eternal blessings and made him glad with the joy of your presence.

7

For the king trusts in the LORD; through the unfailing love of the Most High he will not be shaken.

8

Your hand will lay hold on all your enemies; your right hand will seize your foes.

9

At the time of your appearing you will make them like a fiery furnace. In his wrath the LORD will swallow them up, and his fire will consume them.

10

You will destroy their descendants from the earth, their posterity from mankind.

11

Though they plot evil against you and devise wicked schemes, they cannot succeed;

12

for you will make them turn their backs when you aim at them with drawn bow.

13

Be exalted, O LORD, in your strength; we will sing and praise your might.

Today's bible teaching: You evildoers frustrate the plans of the poor, but the LORD is their refuge

 Psalm 14

1

Psalm 14 For the director of music. Of David.

1

The fool ^[1] says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good.

2

The LORD looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.

3

All have turned aside, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.

4

Will evildoers never learn-- those who devour my people as men eat bread and who do not call on the LORD?

5

There they are, overwhelmed with dread, for God is present in the company of the righteous.

6

You evildoers frustrate the plans of the poor, but the LORD is their refuge.

7

Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When the LORD restores the fortunes of his people, let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad!

Today's bible teaching: Rejoice in the LORD, you who are righteous, and praise his holy name

 Psalm 97

1

Psalm 97

1

The LORD reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice.

2

Clouds and thick darkness surround him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.

3

Fire goes before him and consumes his foes on every side.

4

His lightning lights up the world; the earth sees and trembles.

5

The mountains melt like wax before the LORD, before the Lord of all the earth.

6

The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all the peoples see his glory.

7

All who worship images are put to shame, those who boast in idols-- worship him, all you gods!

8

Zion hears and rejoices and the villages of Judah are glad because of your judgments, O LORD.

9

For you, O LORD, are the Most High over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods.

10

Let those who love the LORD hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.

11

Light is shed upon the righteous and joy on the upright in heart.

12

Rejoice in the LORD, you who are righteous, and praise his holy name.

Today's bible teaching: The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God

 Psalm 92

1

Psalm 92 A psalm. A song. For the Sabbath day.

1

It is good to praise the LORD and make music to your name, O Most High,

2

to proclaim your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night,

3

to the music of the ten-stringed lyre and the melody of the harp.

4

For you make me glad by your deeds, O LORD; I sing for joy at the works of your hands.

5

How great are your works, O LORD, how profound your thoughts!

6

The senseless man does not know, fools do not understand,

7

that though the wicked spring up like grass and all evildoers flourish, they will be forever destroyed.

8

But you, O LORD, are exalted forever.

9

For surely your enemies, O LORD, surely your enemies will perish; all evildoers will be scattered.

10

You have exalted my horn ^[1] like that of a wild ox; fine oils have been poured upon me.

11

My eyes have seen the defeat of my adversaries; my ears have heard the rout of my wicked foes.

12

The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon;

13

planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God.

14

They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green,

15

proclaiming, "The LORD is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him."

Today's bible teaching: Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall

 Psalm 55

1

Psalm 55 For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A maskil ^[1] of David.

1

Listen to my prayer, O God, do not ignore my plea;

2

hear me and answer me. My thoughts trouble me and I am distraught

3

at the voice of the enemy, at the stares of the wicked; for they bring down suffering upon me and revile me in their anger.

4

My heart is in anguish within me; the terrors of death assail me.

5

Fear and trembling have beset me; horror has overwhelmed me.

6

I said, "Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest--

7

I would flee far away and stay in the desert; Selah

8

I would hurry to my place of shelter, far from the tempest and storm."

9

Confuse the wicked, O Lord, confound their speech, for I see violence and strife in the city.

10

Day and night they prowl about on its walls; malice and abuse are within it.

11

Destructive forces are at work in the city; threats and lies never leave its streets.

12

If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it; if a foe were raising himself against me, I could hide from him.

13

But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend,

14

with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship as we walked with the throng at the house of God.

15

Let death take my enemies by surprise; let them go down alive to the grave, ^[2] for evil finds lodging among them.

16

But I call to God, and the LORD saves me.

17

Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice.

18

He ransoms me unharmed from the battle waged against me, even though many oppose me.

19

God, who is enthroned forever, will hear them and afflict them-- Selah men who never change their ways and have no fear of God.

20

My companion attacks his friends; he violates his covenant.

21

His speech is smooth as butter, yet war is in his heart; his words are more soothing than oil, yet they are drawn swords.

22

Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.

23

But you, O God, will bring down the wicked into the pit of corruption; bloodthirsty and deceitful men will not live out half their days. But as for me, I trust in you.

Today's bible teaching: They remembered that God was their Rock, that God Most High was their Redeemer

 Psalm 78

1

Psalm 78 A maskil ^[1] of Asaph.

1

O my people, hear my teaching; listen to the words of my mouth.

2

I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter hidden things, things from of old--

3

what we have heard and known, what our fathers have told us.

4

We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done.

5

He decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel, which he commanded our forefathers to teach their children,

6

so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children.

7

Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands.

8

They would not be like their forefathers-- a stubborn and rebellious generation, whose hearts were not loyal to God, whose spirits were not faithful to him.

9

The men of Ephraim, though armed with bows, turned back on the day of battle;

10

they did not keep God's covenant and refused to live by his law.

11

They forgot what he had done, the wonders he had shown them.

12

He did miracles in the sight of their fathers in the land of Egypt, in the region of Zoan.

13

He divided the sea and led them through; he made the water stand firm like a wall.

14

He guided them with the cloud by day and with light from the fire all night.

15

He split the rocks in the desert and gave them water as abundant as the seas;

16

he brought streams out of a rocky crag and made water flow down like rivers.

17

But they continued to sin against him, rebelling in the desert against the Most High.

18

They willfully put God to the test by demanding the food they craved.

19

They spoke against God, saying, "Can God spread a table in the desert?

20

When he struck the rock, water gushed out, and streams flowed abundantly. But can he also give us food? Can he supply meat for his people?"

21

When the LORD heard them, he was very angry; his fire broke out against Jacob, and his wrath rose against Israel,

22

for they did not believe in God or trust in his deliverance.

23

Yet he gave a command to the skies above and opened the doors of the heavens;

24

he rained down manna for the people to eat, he gave them the grain of heaven.

25

Men ate the bread of angels; he sent them all the food they could eat.

26

He let loose the east wind from the heavens and led forth the south wind by his power.

27

He rained meat down on them like dust, flying birds like sand on the seashore.

28

He made them come down inside their camp, all around their tents.

29

They ate till they had more than enough, for he had given them what they craved.

30

But before they turned from the food they craved, even while it was still in their mouths,

31

God's anger rose against them; he put to death the sturdiest among them, cutting down the young men of Israel.

32

In spite of all this, they kept on sinning; in spite of his wonders, they did not believe.

33

So he ended their days in futility and their years in terror.

34

Whenever God slew them, they would seek him; they eagerly turned to him again.

35

They remembered that God was their Rock, that God Most High was their Redeemer.

36

But then they would flatter him with their mouths, lying to him with their tongues;

37

their hearts were not loyal to him, they were not faithful to his covenant.

38

Yet he was merciful; he forgave their iniquities and did not destroy them. Time after time he restrained his anger and did not stir up his full wrath.

39

He remembered that they were but flesh, a passing breeze that does not return.

40

How often they rebelled against him in the desert and grieved him in the wasteland!

41

Again and again they put God to the test; they vexed the Holy One of Israel.

42

They did not remember his power-- the day he redeemed them from the oppressor,

43

the day he displayed his miraculous signs in Egypt, his wonders in the region of Zoan.

44

He turned their rivers to blood; they could not drink from their streams.

45

He sent swarms of flies that devoured them, and frogs that devastated them.

46

He gave their crops to the grasshopper, their produce to the locust.

47

He destroyed their vines with hail and their sycamore-figs with sleet.

48

He gave over their cattle to the hail, their livestock to bolts of lightning.

49

He unleashed against them his hot anger, his wrath, indignation and hostility-- a band of destroying angels.

50

He prepared a path for his anger; he did not spare them from death but gave them over to the plague.

51

He struck down all the firstborn of Egypt, the firstfruits of manhood in the tents of Ham.

52

But he brought his people out like a flock; he led them like sheep through the desert.

53

He guided them safely, so they were unafraid; but the sea engulfed their enemies.

54

Thus he brought them to the border of his holy land, to the hill country his right hand had taken.

55

He drove out nations before them and allotted their lands to them as an inheritance; he settled the tribes of Israel in their homes.

56

But they put God to the test and rebelled against the Most High; they did not keep his statutes.

57

Like their fathers they were disloyal and faithless, as unreliable as a faulty bow.

58

They angered him with their high places; they aroused his jealousy with their idols.

59

When God heard them, he was very angry; he rejected Israel completely.

60

He abandoned the tabernacle of Shiloh, the tent he had set up among men.

61

He sent [the ark of] his might into captivity, his splendor into the hands of the enemy.

62

He gave his people over to the sword; he was very angry with his inheritance.

63

Fire consumed their young men, and their maidens had no wedding songs;

64

their priests were put to the sword, and their widows could not weep.

65

Then the Lord awoke as from sleep, as a man wakes from the stupor of wine.

66

He beat back his enemies; he put them to everlasting shame.

67

Then he rejected the tents of Joseph, he did not choose the tribe of Ephraim;

68

but he chose the tribe of Judah, Mount Zion, which he loved.

69

He built his sanctuary like the heights, like the earth that he established forever.

70

He chose David his servant and took him from the sheep pens;

71

from tending the sheep he brought him to be the shepherd of his people Jacob, of Israel his inheritance.

72

And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.

Today's praises: Let everything that has breath praise the LORD

Psalm 150

1

Psalm 150

1

Praise the LORD.  Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens.

2

Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness.

3

Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre,

4

praise him with tambourine and dancing, praise him with the strings and flute,

5

praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals.

6

Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD. 

Today's bible teaching: My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever

 Psalm 73

1

Psalm 73 A psalm of Asaph.

1

Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.

2

But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold.

3

For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

4

They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. ^[1]

5

They are free from the burdens common to man; they are not plagued by human ills.

6

Therefore pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves with violence.

7

From their callous hearts comes iniquity ^[2] ; the evil conceits of their minds know no limits.

8

They scoff, and speak with malice; in their arrogance they threaten oppression.

9

Their mouths lay claim to heaven, and their tongues take possession of the earth.

10

Therefore their people turn to them and drink up waters in abundance. ^[3]

11

They say, "How can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?"

12

This is what the wicked are like-- always carefree, they increase in wealth.

13

Surely in vain have I kept my heart pure; in vain have I washed my hands in innocence.

14

All day long I have been plagued; I have been punished every morning.

15

If I had said, "I will speak thus," I would have betrayed your children.

16

When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me

17

till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny.

18

Surely you place them on slippery ground; you cast them down to ruin.

19

How suddenly are they destroyed, completely swept away by terrors!

20

As a dream when one awakes, so when you arise, O Lord, you will despise them as fantasies.

21

When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered,

22

I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you.

23

Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.

24

You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.

25

Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.

26

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

27

Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.

28

But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds

Today's praises: Praise the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens.

Psalm 150

1

Psalm 150

1

Praise the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens.

2

Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness.

3

Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre,

4

praise him with tambourine and dancing, praise him with the strings and flute,

5

praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals.

6

Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD. 

Today's praises: Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise in the assembly of the saints.

Psalm 149

1

Psalm 149

1

Praise the LORD. ^[1] Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise in the assembly of the saints.

2

Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; let the people of Zion be glad in their King.

3

Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with tambourine and harp.

4

For the LORD takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation.

5

Let the saints rejoice in this honor and sing for joy on their beds.

6

May the praise of God be in their mouths and a double-edged sword in their hands,

7

to inflict vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples,

8

to bind their kings with fetters, their nobles with shackles of iron,

9

to carry out the sentence written against them. This is the glory of all his saints. Praise the LORD.

Today's praise: Praise the LORD

Psalm 117

1

Psalm 117

1

Praise the LORD, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples.

2

For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD.

Today's prayer: May the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth, bless you from Zion

Psalm 134

1

Psalm 134 A song of ascents.

1

Praise the LORD, all you servants of the LORD who minister by night in the house of the LORD.

2

Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the LORD.

3

May the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth, bless you from Zion

Today's bible teaching and praises: He settles the barren woman in her home as a happy mother of children. Praise the LORD

Psalm 113

1

Psalm 113

1

Praise the LORD. ^[1] Praise, O servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD.

2

Let the name of the LORD be praised, both now and forevermore.

3

From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD is to be praised.

4

The LORD is exalted over all the nations, his glory above the heavens.

5

Who is like the LORD our God, the One who sits enthroned on high,

6

who stoops down to look on the heavens and the earth?

7

He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap;

8

he seats them with princes, with the princes of their people.

9

He settles the barren woman in her home as a happy mother of children. Praise the LORD.

Today's praises: Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs

Psalm 100

1

Psalm 100 A psalm. For giving thanks.

1

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.

2

Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.

3

Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his ^[1] ; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

4

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.

5

For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Today's prayer: May the LORD answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you

Psalm 20

1

Psalm 20 For the director of music. A psalm of David.

1

May the LORD answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.

2

May he send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support from Zion.

3

May he remember all your sacrifices and accept your burnt offerings. Selah

4

May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.

5

We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the LORD grant all your requests.

6

Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed; he answers him from his holy heaven with the saving power of his right hand.

7

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.

8

They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm.

9

O LORD, save the king! Answer ^[1] us when we call!

Today's bible teaching: You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

Psalm 77

1

Psalm 77 For the director of music. For Jeduthun. Of Asaph. A psalm.

1

I cried out to God for help; I cried out to God to hear me.

2

When I was in distress, I sought the Lord; at night I stretched out untiring hands and my soul refused to be comforted.

3

I remembered you, O God, and I groaned; I mused, and my spirit grew faint. Selah

4

You kept my eyes from closing; I was too troubled to speak.

5

I thought about the former days, the years of long ago;

6

I remembered my songs in the night. My heart mused and my spirit inquired:

7

"Will the Lord reject forever? Will he never show his favor again?

8

Has his unfailing love vanished forever? Has his promise failed for all time?

9

Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has he in anger withheld his compassion?" Selah

10

Then I thought, "To this I will appeal: the years of the right hand of the Most High."

11

I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.

12

I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds.

13

Your ways, O God, are holy. What god is so great as our God?

14

You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples.

15

With your mighty arm you redeemed your people, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph. Selah

16

The waters saw you, O God, the waters saw you and writhed; the very depths were convulsed.

17

The clouds poured down water, the skies resounded with thunder; your arrows flashed back and forth.

18

Your thunder was heard in the whirlwind, your lightning lit up the world; the earth trembled and quaked.

19

Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen.

20

You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.